This past Saturday my boyfriend and I rushed to our local farmer's market for our weekly pakora and dumplings snack. It's become a tradition for us, and we often will sit down on the green and listen to the live fiddlers or violinists that play in the middle of the market each week. If you are lucky enough to have a local farmer's market, you probably know what I mean when I say it's a little bit like stepping back in time and it's a great way to connect with the community.

All of the different fresh food options, craft stands, and wine tastings set against the sounds of live music and the beauty of a field, got me to thinking how well a farmer's market could translate into a wedding reception.

1.Use Chalkboards and Hand-painted Signs To Direct Your Wedding Guests Around the Reception

Chalkboards and hand-painted signs will lend your farmer's market wedding a quaint and authentic feel while providing necesary information to your wedding guests about where to go for what and about the types of foods the different booths are offering and, if you are offering local foods, can detail the fun information about which farms the foods come from.

2. Local Wine and Micro-Brew Beer Tastings Stand To Delight Your Wedding Guests

If you are planning to serve alcohol at your wedding, what better way then to have a selection of local wines and micro-brews available for tastings in small sample sizes. Guests will enjoy comparing notes and trying new things, just like at a real Farmer's Market!

3. Instead of Tables Offer Comfy Picnic Blankets

This may be a bit unorthodox, but for a true farmer's market meets wedding feel, consider having someone hand out ( or already have blankets set up) for guests to sit up for the reception. Offer a few real tables and chairs for elderly guests, of course :)

4. Instead of Plates give guests picnic baskets

Have a stack of baskets (they don't have to match) for guests to place their food items in as they walk around from booth to booth. This idea is sure to be a fun hit!

5. Live Music!

Live music is a great connective thread for the community to gather around at a farmer's market and will be especially important for your farmer's market themed wedding reception. Rely on word-of-mouth or even checking out what acts are playing at your local farmers' markets and approaching them after their set if you like what you hear! At the very least, they'll be flattered that you offered!